Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Quinn. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, providing users with a satisfying bump when pressing each key. The Crystal Violet is renowned for its relaxed and stepped tactile feel, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a gentle and comfortable typing experience. With a low-pitched sound profile, these switches create a pleasant and non-intrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Quinn switches offer a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. The specially designed nylon housings contribute to a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience. Overall, both switches offer their own unique qualities, catering to different preferences. However, let's dive deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
ABS
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Quinn differ in terms of their housing materials. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, while the Quinn uses a nylon top housing. ABS is a relatively rare plastic to be used in switch housings, but it is commonly found in keycaps. When typing on switches with ABS top housings, the sound profile tends to be relatively low-pitched. On the other hand, the Quinn's nylon top housing is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In addition to the top housings, the bottom housings of the Crystal Violet and the Quinn also differ. The Crystal Violet uses an ABS bottom housing, while the Quinn utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Similar to the ABS top housing, the ABS bottom housing of the Crystal Violet contributes to a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing on the switches. On the contrary, the nylon bottom housing of the Quinn enhances the deeper and fuller sound profile that nylon brings. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a dulled and rounded sound.
When both the top and bottom housings of a switch are different, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom. Pressing down on the switch will be influenced more by the bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound produced when releasing a key will be more influenced by the top housing. Although the Crystal Violet and the Quinn have contrasting housing materials, the split impact on sound and feel will still be present in both switches, yielding similar results.
In summary, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Gateron Quinn showcase distinct differences in their housing materials. The Crystal Violet employs ABS in both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a relatively low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Quinn utilizes nylon for both housings, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, regardless of these differences, both switches will showcase a split impact on sound and feel due to the variation in top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are noticeable differences to consider. Firstly, in terms of actuation force, the Crystal Violet requires a lighter touch with 45 grams, compared to the Quinn which requires a stronger push of 59 grams. This indicates that the Crystal Violet allows for a softer keystroke activation. Similarly, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Crystal Violet is again lighter with 55 grams, while the Quinn is heavier with 67 grams. Therefore, the Crystal Violet provides a smoother typing experience as it requires less force to fully press the keys. On the other hand, the Quinn tactile switch would be better suited for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Overall, the Crystal Violet offers a medium-light actuation and bottom out force, while the Quinn provides a medium-heavy force. It is important to note that both switches deliver different results, ensuring that users can select their preferred weight for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Crystal Violet offers a slightly deeper press, making it more suitable for those who prefer a greater depth. On the other hand, the Quinn provides a shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers who prioritize faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches have a pleasantly mellow and low-pitched sound profile. This means that the switches produce a bass-heavy and non-intrusive auditory experience. This is achieved by using ABS in the switch housings, which contributes to the unique sound characteristics. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switches have a deep and resonant sound profile. The sound produced is characterized by a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Quinn switches are described as clacky, which means they produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Overall, while the Crystal Violet and the Quinn switches have different sound profiles, both offer unique auditory experiences that add character to the typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches provide a gentle and comfortable typing experience. They are described as creamy, which means they offer a smooth and buttery sensation when typing. This is due to the lubrication applied in the switches at the factory and the specific materials used. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switches are categorized as mild, meaning they offer a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. They are also described as stepped switches, featuring two stages of tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switches are characterized as snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience. They are also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Quinn switches are also categorized as bouncy, giving a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. Additionally, they are accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Overall, while the Crystal Violet and the Quinn switches offer different tactile experiences, both provide comfortable and enjoyable typing sensations.
Based on the available information, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches are best known for their relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a pleasantly mellow sound profile. They offer a gentle and comfortable feel, with a creamy and mild sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switches are distinctive for their crisp and light switch-like tactility, paired with a deep and resonant sound profile. They provide a precise and clean tactile bump, with a snappy and polished feel. While the Crystal Violet and the Quinn switches have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, both offer enjoyable and character-rich typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a gentle and comfortable feel. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet switches is pleasantly mellow and leans towards the lower-pitched spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch would be more suitable for you. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches offer a medium-heavy feel. Each keystroke produces a rich and immersive sound that adds character to your typing experience. The Quinn switches also provide a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Crystal Violet and Gateron Quinn switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a relaxed and stepped tactile feel with a mellow sound profile, go for the Crystal Violet. However, if you prefer a crisp and light tactile feel with a deep and resonant sound, the Quinn switches would be a better fit. Consider your typing style and the overall experience you desire before making a decision.
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